Fostering in East Sussex

Children entering care often face uncertainty and significant change in their lives. Foster carers provide not only a safe place to live, but also the reassurance, routine and encouragement that help young people build confidence and resilience. By fostering locally, you can help children maintain important connections to their schools, friendships and communities whenever possible.

Action for Children Fostering is looking for people throughout East Sussex who are willing to make a meaningful difference to a child's future. Whether you live in a coastal town, a rural village or a larger community, your support could have a lasting impact on a young person's life.

You don't need previous fostering experience or specialist qualifications. What matters most is your ability to provide a caring home, a listening ear and the commitment to support a child through both challenges and achievements.

If you're considering fostering, our team is here to guide and support you from your first enquiry onwards.

We understand that becoming a foster carer involves both emotional and practical commitments. That's why we provide fostering payments designed to help carers focus on meeting the needs of the children they care for.

Our fostering payments include a fee and an allowance. The allowance helps cover day-to-day costs such as food, clothing, transport and activities. The fee recognises the important role foster carers play and the commitment required to provide safe, stable and nurturing care.

Payments vary depending on the type of fostering provided and the needs of the child placed with you. Additional financial support may also be available for birthdays, holidays, educational activities and other important aspects of a child's development.

We aim to ensure foster carers have the resources they need to create positive home environments where children can feel secure and supported.

Our focus is on helping foster families provide the best possible care while removing unnecessary financial pressures wherever we can.

Fostering is most successful when carers have access to strong and reliable support. That's why we work closely with every foster carer to provide practical advice, professional guidance and ongoing encouragement.

Each foster carer is supported by a dedicated supervising social worker who will be available to provide regular supervision, answer questions and offer support whenever required. We believe in building strong working relationships with carers and understanding the unique needs of every fostering household.

As part of our fostering community, you'll also have opportunities to connect with other carers and share experiences with people who understand the realities of fostering.

Support available includes:

• Regular supervision and guidance from a dedicated social worker
• Foster carer support groups and peer networks
• Professional advice and specialist expertise
• Ongoing practical and emotional support
• Access to additional services where required
• Out-of-hours assistance for urgent situations

Many carers find that peer support becomes one of the most valuable aspects of their fostering journey. Being able to learn from others, share experiences and gain reassurance can make a real difference.

We're committed to ensuring every foster carer feels supported, valued and confident in their role.

Children and young people in care often have complex experiences that require understanding, patience and specialist support. To help foster carers feel prepared, we offer comprehensive training before approval and throughout their fostering career.

All training is provided free of charge and is designed to build confidence, develop knowledge and enhance practical fostering skills.

Skills to Foster

This introductory course provides a strong foundation for new foster carers. You'll learn about the fostering role, child development, attachment, trauma and the wider network of professionals involved in supporting children in care.

Therapeutic Parenting

Many young people entering care have experienced loss, trauma or instability. Therapeutic parenting training helps carers understand these experiences and develop approaches that promote trust, emotional wellbeing and healthy relationships.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding training covers key areas including child protection, health and wellbeing, online safety and recognising the challenges children and young people may face in today's world.

Continued Development

Fostering is a continually developing role. As you gain experience, you'll have access to a wide range of additional training opportunities that help you build specialist knowledge and further develop your skills.

Our goal is to help foster carers feel equipped, informed and confident in supporting children to achieve positive outcomes.

Many people are eligible to foster and don't realise it. Foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds, professions and family situations, bringing different strengths and life experiences to the role.

Generally, if you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and have the right to live and work in the UK, you may be able to foster.

We welcome enquiries from:

• Single people
• Couples and partners
• Parents and non-parents
• Homeowners and tenants
• People from all cultural and religious backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
• People with disabilities
• Employed and retired people

There is no single profile of a successful foster carer. Children need different kinds of homes, experiences and positive adult role models.

The qualities that matter most are patience, compassion, resilience and a genuine desire to help children feel safe, valued and supported.

By fostering in East Sussex, you could play a significant role in helping a child develop confidence, maintain important relationships and build a brighter future.

Contact our East Sussex fostering team today to find out more about becoming a foster carer and how we can support you throughout your journey.